Musical Monday - A song that encourages me to keep pressing on

I discovered this song the other day.  I love it.  As I watched the video for the first time I might of gotten a little teary eyed because it really speaks to where I am in life right now.

Those of you who know me, will probably fully understand why I love this song so much :-)

I hope you like it too :-)

Photo a Day recap (Days 28 - 34)

Day 28

January 28

"Light"

Found this candle at Target on clearance after the holidays.  A few weeks later I actually lit it and discovered that it smelled like Anthropologie.  I wish I had bought more.  $25 Anthro candle vs $2.50 Target clearance - clearance wins.  Too bad I have not been able to find any more :-(

Day 29

January 29

"Inside your fridge"

I found these mason jars at Target and I love using them to hold soup.  They are great because they don't spill in my super cute lunchbox.

Day 30

January 30

"Nature"

My office plant is struggling so bad - so bad that I think it is dead.  I'm sorry little plant :-(

Day 31

January 31

"You again"

All my pictures of me lately have been taken using my camera phone and a mirror.  That's how the hipsters do it, right?

Day 32

February 1

"Fork"

I have decided to bust out the silver and use it - on a daily basis.  I don't want it all packed away waiting for a special occasion.  As Hallmark would say, "Life is a Special Occasion." 

Day 32

February 2

"Pattern"

I have a huge box of sewing patterns and an even bigger box of fabric ... I should sew more :-)

Day 34

February 3

"Something beginning with e"

Me and Karisse in the "elevator".  Karisse came over to watch "Pitch Perfect".  We looooooooooved it and we swooned over leading man Skylar Astin - so cute and then he sings ... excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor :-)

Here's a few favorite clips for you:

Good movie.  Netlfix might have to wait a little bit longer before they get it back :-)

Musical Monday "Holding on to Hope"

Tonight I did some art journaling inspired by the photo a day challenge I am doing.  Today's prompt was "Hope" so I decided to do a page on hope.

I really don't do enough art journaling.  I love starting with a blank page, putting a backwash of color and just seeing what happens.  This page is not my favorite page, but so many times it is more about the process and what God speaks during the process than it is about making something pretty.

When I was making this art journal entry there is a song by Jenny and Tyler that came to my mind - "Holding on to Hope"

I was introduced to Jenny and Tyler back before Christmas.  This song meant a lot to me in that time.  December was a fairly rough month and those words "holding on to hope" penetrated into some pretty empty places.

Isaiah 40:30, 31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who HOPE in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Sometimes, I think that we just need someone to tell us to not give up (well, at least I do anyway).  So I will just go on and say it for anyone else who may need it - Don't give up.  Have hope.  God really does see everything and He really does have your best interest at heart.  Put your hope and your trust in Him.  He loves you and only wants the very very very best for you.  Hold on to hope :-)

Holding on to Hope - Jenny & Tyler - Faint Not - Copyright 2010 One Eyed Cat Music (BMI)

Music and Lyrics by Tyler Somers (BMI) and Jennifer Somers (BMI)

People I know around me float past with the debris
Saying they don’t mind, such is life, as they float on down the street
I heard the worst is to come, I heard the words
'Look above and find your home in Me
In this storm

I’m holding on to hope, hope, hope
And never letting go, no, no
Even when the storm it grows, hope, hope
Will never let me go, no, no
‘Til I go on home

People build homes using pieces of broken virtue and philosophy
When people place hope in people I notice even more broken dreams
I know that time is so short, there’s something in store, a home I’ve never seen
In this storm, o in this storm

I’m holding on to hope, hope, hope
And never letting go, no, no
Even when the storm it grows, hope, hope
Will never let me go, no, no
‘Til I go on home

Only a trace, no face to face
So here I wait with this poor reflection
Running a race, scared I’m going to break down
Give me strength, Your protection
Only a moment, a passing of time
Until the day when faith is sight
Only a moment, like a flashing of light
So keep me safe, keep me nigh
Keep my way homeward bound
When the rain’s pouring down
Keep me safe, keep me safe

I’m holding on to hope
Never letting go, no, no
‘Til the day I come on home, hope, hope
And finally fully know

Musical Monday - the MLK day edition (Up to the Mountain)

Today is MLK day which spurred me to share one of my favorite songs.  It was written by Patti Griffin about Martin Luther King.  There have been many times I have listened to this song when at the point of wanting to give up and it has inspired me.

Photo a day recap (Day 14 - 20)

Day 14

January 14

Something you are reading

I have subscriptions to three magazines - Fitness, Whole Living, and Traveler.  Fitness and Whole Living always seem to arrive on the same day.  It's mailbox healthy day :-)

Day 15

January 15

Happiness

I was listening to my "Happy Running List" playlist while getting ready for work.  I love this playlist.  The music puts a smile on my face and gets me moving.  It is also my favorite running list and contains my all time favorite song.  I know that I have probably shared this video before, but just in case you haven't seen it, here it is again:

("Smilin' so hard my mind looks like a capital U" - love that line!)

Day 16

"Morning"

January 16

It was a rough morning ... getting out of bed was sooooo hard.  I had to rush and missed my morning coffee and bagel, so I stopped at the deli in my building.  They actually have awesome coffee - hazelnut flavored.  This sister needs her caffeine :-)

Day 17

January 17

Water

Just water running from the faucet.  I took this picture at the end of a not very good day.  I was feeling very discouraged after some things that happened in my day.  As I was on the metro coming home, I thought about water and it's cleansing properties.  It washes away dirt and nourishes our body.  I definitely needed to wash away a bad day.  So, I had a glass of wine and took a lavender scented bath :-)

Day 18

January 18

Something you bought

How cool are my new running shoes!!  I was so excited to see them come in the mail.  I bought them in the store a few days earlier, but had to place an order if I wanted the hot pink ones.  And of course I wanted the hot pink ones :-)  They make me smile.  I tried them out today and I love them.  However, after about 3 months of no running, I definitely have a lot of ground to gain back.

Day 19

January 19

Sweet

I was pretty pleased to realize that this was about the sweetest treat in my possession - that was before today when I discovered the chocolate covered espresso beans in the back of the pantry :-)  I actually really love this juice.  I discovered it when I was sick a few weeks back.  It's a great juice for when you are not feeling well - or for when you just want some immune system boosting juice :-)

Day 20

January 20

Someone you love

I love Jesus so much and I have been thinking about grace a lot.  Grace is so amazing.  So many times I feel like a complete screw up.  I feel like I let God down and I let myself down.  But regardless of whatever happens, grace is always there to rebuild and restore me.  I am learning to receive it and I think that this word "grace" is a big theme for me this year.  It's definitely an area that I am growing in.  For someone who is really hard on themselves, grace is like a breath of fresh air - I just need to remember to inhale it.

Musical Monday - Tomorrow is a Chance to Start Over

It has been awhile since I have done a Musical Monday post.  In fact, I forgot that I even used to do Musical Monday posts.  And when I say that I used to do them, what I really mean is that I might have done it a couple of times :-)

Well, I thought that I would bring it back.

I recently discovered that Anthropologie has a station on Spotify.  They posted a New Year's playlist that I absolutely love.  In fact, I love it so much that I went and downloaded all the songs to put on my iPod, so now it is pretty much all that I have been listening to.

Do you remember the song that I posted in my Photo A Day recap last week.  That song was discovered on the Anthropologie New Year's playlist.

I wish that I could embed that playlist with you here, but I am not able to figure out how to post it from Spotify - sorry :-(  You can click the link HERE to reach the playlist.

But in the meantime, check out the video below for another song from the playlist that I am loving:



One morning as I was listening to it, the words began to sink in and brought tears to my eyes.  I have been needing a new start.  Sometimes life is just hard.  People may disappoint you, and you may disappoint yourself, but tomorrow is a new start.  I love that.

LYRICS: 

Lie down on your pillowIn the shadows, close your eyes Turn out the old lamplight and sing goodnight lullabyes 
You are another day older Soon you'll be through the dark Tomorrow is a chance to start over Start over again 
Like the setting sun dear As it lingers, falls to rust I'll see you in my dreams love, let the long day turn to dust 
You are another day older Soon you'll be through the dark Tomorrow is a chance to start over Start over again 
You are another day older Soon you'll be through the dark Tomorrow is a chance to start over You re-ignite the spark Tonight you can like here on my shoulder Soon you'll be through the dark Tomorrow is a chance to start over Start over again

Photo a Day challenge recap (Days 2-6)

I am doing a photo a day challenge that I found on Pinterest:

Source: instagr.am via Melany on Pinterest

I thought that I would do a recap of each week here on my blog.  So here it goes:

Day two (because that is when I actually started)

January 2, 2013

"New"

This is a new bowl that I bought at Anthropologie (My favorite store.  I love you Anthro!).  They have had all their clearance marked an additional 30% off.  That sale ended today (sad face).  

Day 3

January 3, 2013

"Something I adore"

I had a lot of difficulty with this photo prompt.  I struggled because "adore" is such a strong word and seems a little much to describe a thing.  So, I went with something that I really enjoy and I do really love the display that I have on my bedside table.  I like decor with an antique/vintage feel to it.  The lamp is something that I found at a thrift store and you can tell it is vintage just by looking at the plug.  The photo is one of my favorites of my Mama Doris and Papa.  I just love old photos!!  

The photo sits on top of a stack of books one of which is a very old copy of "Kim" by Rudyard Kipling.  It caught my eye when I was at my grandmother's house.  I just loved the old vintage binding, so she gave it to me.  

The crystal votive holder is the first gift that I ever received from Tiffanys.  There is actually a cool story behind it.  

One year for Christmas my mom started this thing called a "theme gift".  Basically it is a bunch of gifts in a bag that all have a common theme leading to the last "big gift".  For this gift, first I opened a pair of really long black opera gloves and thought perhaps there would be tickets to a show at the end.  Then I opened a tiara and thought, "Um, ok."  The next gift was the movie "Breakfast at Tiffanys" and I thought I had reached the end.  "Oh, I get it - Breakfast at Tiffanys.  The gloves and tiara like what is on the cover of the movie.  Cool."  But my mom told to keep going - there was one more.  And then I saw it - the blue box with white ribbon.  At that point, I did not even care what was inside the box :-)  I just exclaimed "Is this really from Tiffanys?"  To which my dad replied, "It better be." I think he was thinking of the price tag :-)  I opened the box to reveal the crystal votive with a Tiffany scented candle.  The candle is long gone, but that little votive holder is pretty special to me.  I love how it looks with my pearls sticking out of it.  I like pretty things especially when they come from Tiffanys :-)

Day 4

January 4, 2013

"Letterbox"

This box is my most treasured possession and I will probably get a little teary eyed just writing about it. This box holds notes and letters from very special people.  Each piece of paper in this box has words of encouragement written on it.  When I am feeling really down about myself, this box helps to remind me of who I really am and what people think of me.

This box got started on my 21st birthday and I am going to tell another story about my mom that is going to make you wish she was your mom :-)

For my 21st birthday my parents took me to a fancy restaurant to celebrate.  It was a very special evening.  I received this gift containing a box of notecards and it made me cry right there in the middle of that fancy restaurant.  

My mom had contacted all my friends and family and asked them write "My favorite Melany memory".  That is what each note card said:  

She made all these cards, embossed the word "Memories" on the front of each one, sent them out to people with a return envelope, and put them all in this box for me.  The first note that I opened was the following:

That's when the waterworks started :-)  I was so overwhelmed as I sorted through the many cards inside.  There were too many to read sitting there in the restaurant so I finished them when I got home - and got no sleep that night :-)

It is by far the best gift that I have ever received.  Over the years I have added to this box.  In fact it is so full that I need a new box :-)  It is one of my most treasured possessions and I will tell you about my other most treasured possession in a little bit :-)

Day 5

January 5, 2013

"Something you wore"

A smile.  It's the world's greatest accessory.  It looks good on everyone and makes the world a brighter place.  I was listening to the following song when I took this picture:

Give it a listen.  It will make you smile :-)  And while we are speaking of smiling ...

Day 6

January 6, 2013

"Makes you smile"

This is my other most treasured possession - my journals.  I am a huge advocate for journaling.  More on my journaling journey here.  These notebooks tell my story - and what a story it is.  I love reading through my journals.  It reminds me of where I have been and how God has always come through for me.  There are lots of smiles and lots of tears poured out in these journals.  There is lots of triumph and lots of heartache.  Each story ends with God's faithfulness shining through and when times are tough I like to look through them and be reminded of how my Father in heaven will never leave or forsake me.  He has been and always will be good. 

There is week one of the Photo a Day Challenge.  I think that when all is said and done, I am really going to love having this to look back on.  Fun times :-)

A little ditty I wrote

Can I just be honest?  2012 has not been very good to be so far.  Without going into detail, let's just say that last week was rough - really really rough - like "where in the world is my life going" rough.  The following song by All Sons and Daughters pretty much encapsulates how I was feeling:

I came across the song at the blog Julia's Poppies.  The author Jamie, has great taste in music :-)

There are times in life when it can feel like the world is crashing in on us, when we feel like the carpet is pulled out from under us and we can be left wondering where in the world we went wrong.  It may seem like God is absent as we search for where He is in the midst of our circumstances.  But He is never absent.  He can see everything at all times and there is nothing in the world that could ever change that.

In the midst of working through some of the stuff going on, I picked the guitar up and the other day I wrote a song.  It all came together really quickly and I began to see that writing a song can be a bit like musical journaling.  It has been good for me.  I have never enjoyed playing the guitar as much as I have the last few days and it has never come as easily to me as it has the last few days.  I think it's a God thing as playing has really been bringing some rest and peace to my soul.

I felt like sharing the words of the song that I wrote:


Cast Your Cares


At a point of great surrender
In a lost and weary place
He cries out amongst the darkness
Saying, "I will light the way"


Oh, you can put your trust in Me
Oh, I see things you do not see


When I cannot bear the heartache
When the world is closing in
He whispers with deep affection
Saying, "Here's my peace.  Now enter in."


Oh, you can put your trust in Me
Oh, I see things you do not see


Cast your cares on me
Cast your cares on me 
And I will carry you through the storm
Cast your cares on me
Cast your cares on me
My child, I'll keep you safe from harm 


Oh, you can put your trust in me
Oh, I see things you do not see
I see you ... and I am right by your side

Perhaps one day I will even be bold enough to record this song and share it ... and on that day we can also marvel at the pigs flying around in the sky :-)

Goodbye hair - an update

If you will allow me liberties, it is about to get a little heartfelt up in here :-)

I cut off all my hair to donate to Locks of Love - an organization that makes wigs for children losing their hair to cancer treatments.  If you want the truth of how I feel about this drastic cut of mine, here it comes.  If you don't want the truth, you might want to stop reading now :-)

Truth be told, I am not a fan of this new haircut and really trying to not have regrets :-(  My hair has never been this short.  I don't even want to post a picture (but I will ... at the end).  A little "whoops" moment, led to having to go a little bit shorter than anticipated and in the end I was a little shocked.  Throughout the whole haircutting experience, I just kept saying (with a smile on my face), "Just do what you need to fix it."  "It's ok."  Laugh, laugh, smile, smile.  I did not want the girl cutting my hair to feel bad.

But the honest truth is that I am struggling with the reflection in the mirror.  It's shocking and I just keep telling myself that it will grow in to some normality in a month.

I try to reflect on the reason I decided to cut off all my hair - to help someone else.  I don't have a lot to give, so it really does feel good to give what I have.  A small gesture of taking scissors to my hair will help a child battling cancer and also bless a parent who just wants their child to feel special and normal.

As I don't like what I see in the mirror, I can't imagine what it must feel like to look in a mirror and have an absence of hair remind me of an illness that ravishes the body and takes away life.

It's amazing how much something as simple as a hairstyle can really effect self esteem.  It is vicious lies that don't give an accurate representation of what is reflected in the mirror.  As one who has always struggled with how she looks (and I know I am not alone there), this little hair incident gives me a greater opportunity to seek the truth of what looks back at me in the mirror.

What is the truth?
- I am created by a Master Artist and He has made me beautiful.  I am a reflection of His glory, His love, and His beauty.

Song of Songs 7:6 - "How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!"
Psalm 45:11 - "The king is enthralled with your beauty.  Honor him for he is your lord."

In the past I have raved about my favorite book (which I will be re-reading in this season).  I even gave one away.  The book is called "God Loves Ugly" by Christa Black.  It's actually out of print right now (but coming back in September 2012), so I am so grateful for my parents sending me another copy for Christmas :-)

Here is a video of Jordin Sparks singing the song from the book and sharing what it means to her:


Here is another song that I anticipate I will be listening to alot :-)

I know that I am not the only one that has these moments of struggling with what is in the mirror, so I write in this state of vulnerability knowing that there might be someone else who needs it too.  I am not fishing for compliments, just sharing my heart and struggles - grateful for the journey because I know that in the end there is a precious gift of worth and value that God bestows on me :-)

Oh right, I promised a picture didn't I - well, here ya go:

At least my smile has not changed :-)

A little bit addicting

I have found my new favorite blog.  It's written by a gal named Alisa Burke.  She is a creative genius!!!  If you follow me on Pinterest, it is highly likely that you have heard of her because I pin just about every post that she writes :-)  And when I found the tutorial link on her blog, my Pinterest pins exploded with all things Alisa Burke.  Here are just a few examples:

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via Melany on Pinterest

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via Melany on Pinterest

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via Melany on Pinterest

About that last one, I have been inspired to try free motion sewing on my machine.  I have actually done two projects so far.  I still need lots of practice and a special foot for my machine (so I won't sew through my finger), but I am loving the possibilities.

I have also discovered another new addiction through perusing the Alisa Burke blog.  I was inspired to try watercolors - and guess what?  I love watercolors!!!  It is officially my favorite medium.  I actually have a set that I now carry in my purse all the time.  I think about painting all the time.  I never even knew all the things that you can do with watercolor.  Right now I pretty much just make background pages in my journal and have done one (not so wonderful) painting.  Hopefully someday I will be able to  take this class:

And I really really really want this artisan kit:

The bag alone has me sold!!!  I was going to get it for myself for Christmas, but then realized that it would probably not arrive in time, so now I seem to be putting it off ... but maybe (just maybe) stopping by the site to look at it every day - just maybe :-)

So, yeah - Alisa Burke - check out her site and prepare to be amazed - and inspired - and check out this video:

find your inspiration from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

And speaking of videos - and addictions :-)  I am addicted to the following song.  It's got bango.  It's got dududu singing.  It's about Christmas!!!  It's ... WONDERFUL!!!

Tune in Tuesday

I have 5 minutes left of Tuesday and I wanted to post something musical because I did not do so yesterday.  And Tune in Tuesday works just as well as Musical Monday.  It's all rhymey and stuff :-)

Christmas is upon us and there some great free Christmas music happening this week.  Check out itunes for the Single of the Week.  One of my favorite bands, The Civil Wars, has a free download for "O Come O Come Emanuel".  And if you go to Starbucks their Pick of the Week card is another favorite of mine, She and Him, singing "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

Yeah for free music!!!

And here is a little playlist of some of my favorites:

If you are looking for an album, my suggestions are:
Wintersong by Sarah MacLaucghlin
Lifetime of Romance Christmas - it's got some classic artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald
Starbucks Santa Baby compilation (but you would have to buy it used)
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey - it's my opinion that this will be a future classic
A Christmas Album by Barbara Streisand - I find it slightly odd that she made a Christmas album (being that she is Jewish).  But hey, the woman can sing and I love her Christmas album.  And it reminds me of driving around looking at Christmas lights with my parents - nostalgia :-)


Enjoy!

Musical Monday - How the Lost Get Found

The other night I saw this video on my friend Jessica's blog.  I like it and thought that it was definitely worth sharing.



Road trip anyone?

Musical Monday - When I feel blue

Sometimes I feel sad.

Then my mind says, "I'm blue".

Then my inner musical sings, "I'm blue da ba dee da ba die da ba dee da ba die ..."

Then I feel a little more chipper because I have a catchy tune in my head.



That's all - just singing through the blue :-)

Musical Monday

Very late Saturday night I was flipping through channels and came across Les Miserables - the 25th anniversary concert on TV.  Les Miserables is a favorite show of mine and it has been since high school.   It is actually the first musical that I ever went to (great seats too - front row).  

I was thrilled beyond belief to find it on TV and was very surprised to see Nick Jonas singing the role of Marius.  It was shock, but a good one.  The kid actually did very well.  

Unfortunately, by the time I tuned in there was about 15 minutes left of the show.  Fortunately, they were airing it again at 12:30, which unfortunately meant that I lost lots of sleep.  But oh was it worth it.  I sang my little heart out and boohooed and just loved every minute of this musical masterpiece.

Since I am going a "Musical Monday" post, I decided to share some songs from the concert:

In My Life / A Heart Full of Love (how's about that Nick Jonas - I'm impressed):

Bring Him Home:

Little side note - Watching the concert on TV led to me researching if show online, which led me to find out that Les Miserables is coming to Kennedy Center and Alfie Bow (the above singer) is playing the role of Val Jean.  I am still recouping from finding this out.  Of all the times to be a little cash poor.  I want to see that show so bad!!! 

On My Own - my all time favorite song from a musical:

Another side note - the role of Eponine has always been my dream role.  I realize that I may now be too old for it.  I guess that I will just have to settle for Fantine :-)

I hope you have enjoyed this share of videos.  Anyone else love Les Miserables as much as me?

Musical Monday

I feel like I used to be a little ahead of the game as far as music was concerned.  Maybe it was just that I thought that I was ahead of the game, but really very much out of the loop :-)

Well, lately I feel like I find new artists thinking to myself, "Wow!  I bet I am the first person to realize how wonderful this is" ... until I see that the album I am finding to be so wonderful is actually a few years old and many others have commented on it's wonderfulness too.  So, alas, I am not the awesome new music finder that I thought I was.

One of the artists that I am really digging right now is Lykke Li.  I love the little snippets that I have heard from her Youth Novels album.  Below is my favorite song from her, which has another one my favorites as one of the musicians (Bon Iver is awesome - check out his music too).

What music are you loving right now?

Musical Monday errr ... Tuesday

I thought that I would start another feature on my blog called Musical Monday.  In this feature I will highlight ... well ... music.  I had this post all ready to go for Monday, but then I forgot.  So welcome to Musical Monday errr ... Tuesday

For my first Musical Monday errr ... Tuesday post, I thought that I would share with you one of my favorite playlists from my personal ipod.  I made this playlist last summer.  It is called "Walking down the street on a sunny day" because these songs make me feel like I should be walking down the street on a sunny day.  It is a great playlist for when the weather is dreary outside because it does actually cheer me up a bit from rainy day blues (and I really do tend to get rainy day blues).  Unfortunately, there are a few songs missing because the site I used to build the below player did not have them.  The missing songs are:
"Are You Kidding Around" - Samantha Shelton
"Beautiful Day" - Miranda Lee Richards
"She's Only Happy in the Sun" - Ben Harper (been relating to this one too well lately)

But here are the songs that I can share with you:

A little "Pick Me Up" playlist

I took a poll on Facebook last week and asked people what their favorite "Pick Me Up" song was.

You know, what you listen to when you are feeling a little down and need a little pick me up.  Over the last few weeks, there were quite a few days when I needed a little pick me up and music always does a great job :-)

I had so much fun seeing everyone's answer ... and then checking them out on itunes :-)

Here is the playlist for your own listening pleasure:

... but be sure to scroll to the end of this post for the most special of all the song suggestions :-)

BUT WAIT ... there's more.  My mom's song suggestion could not be found while creating the playlist.  So I have posted the video of my very own beautiful sister with her beautiful voice singing "Turpentine" by Brandi Carlisle:

I hope you enjoyed this.  Feel free to come back any time that you need a little "pick me up" :-)